Vietnam Visa for Indians 2026: Cost, Documents & Processing Time
By Ananya Singh (Ananya Singh writes step-by-step first-international-trip guides for Indians — passport rules, visa cascade timing, immigration walkthroughs, and the unglamorous logistics that separate a smooth trip from a stranded one.) · Published · 14 min read
Indians need a visa to visit Vietnam. The easiest route in 2026 is the official Vietnam e-visa — applied online, issued in around 3 business days, valid for 90 days single or multiple entry, and costs around USD 25.
TL;DR — Vietnam Visa for Indians at a Glance
Indians are not visa-free for Vietnam as of 2026. The recommended route is the Vietnam e-visa: apply online at the official Vietnam Immigration portal, pay around USD 25 (roughly ₹2,100), and receive approval in about 3 business days. The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days and supports single or multiple entry. You can also apply via a Visa on Arrival (VOA) letter for air arrivals, but the e-visa is simpler and fully digital.
Fees and features change — verify on the official Vietnam Immigration site (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) before you rely on them.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes. India does not appear on Vietnam's unilateral visa-exemption list as of 2026. Every Indian passport holder must obtain a visa — either the e-visa, a visa on arrival (requires a pre-approved letter), or a traditional embassy visa — before entering Vietnam.
Vietnam has extended visa-free access to a handful of countries (mostly European and a few Asian ones), but India is not among them. Always double-check the Vietnamese embassy website if your travel date is many months out, as the exemption list can expand.
There have been periodic diplomatic discussions between India and Vietnam about broadening travel ties — both countries are part of the India–ASEAN framework — but no firm visa-free announcement has been made as of mid-2026. If you hold a valid US, UK, EU, or Japanese visa, some countries offer simplified access, but Vietnam does not currently extend such a concession to Indian passport holders holding third-country visas.
What Are the Visa Options Available to Indians?
There are three main routes:
- Vietnam E-Visa (recommended): Fully online. Apply at the official government portal, upload your photo and passport scan, pay the fee, and get an approval letter emailed to you. Present the e-visa at the port of entry — no embassy visit required. Available for single and multiple entry, up to 90 days.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): Only for air arrivals (not land borders). You must obtain a pre-approved VOA letter via a licensed agent before flying. At the airport, you queue at the VOA counter, pay a stamping fee (typically USD 25 for single entry, USD 50 for multiple), and receive your stamp. It is slower and more cumbersome than the e-visa.
- Embassy/Consulate Visa: Apply in person or by post at the Vietnamese Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate in Mumbai. Processing takes 3–5 working days typically. Required for land-border entry if you are not using the e-visa route.
For most Indians, the e-visa is the best option — no middleman, no queuing at the airport, and a fixed government fee.
| Route | Approx. Cost | Processing | Entry Points | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-Visa (official portal) | ~USD 25 (~₹2,100) | 3 business days | All international ports | Most travellers |
| Visa on Arrival | Agent fee ~₹500–₹1,500 + USD 25–50 stamping | Instant at airport | Air arrivals only | Emergency/last-minute |
| Embassy Visa (New Delhi/Mumbai) | Similar to e-visa fee + courier if applicable | 3–5 working days | All ports incl. land borders | Land-border entry |
How Much Does the Vietnam E-Visa Cost for Indians?
The official Vietnam e-visa fee is USD 25 per person (approximately ₹2,100 at 2026 exchange rates) regardless of whether you choose single or multiple entry. Payment is by international credit/debit card on the government portal.
Watch out for third-party sites that charge USD 50–80 for the same visa — they add a service margin on top of the official fee. Always use evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn directly.
If you opt for Visa on Arrival, factor in the letter-procurement fee (charged by agents, typically ₹500–₹1,500) plus the stamping fee payable in USD cash at the airport. Carry crisp USD bills — Vietnamese immigration counters may not accept worn notes or UPI.
Paying the fee from India: Most Indian Visa/Mastercard credit cards and international debit cards work on the Vietnam e-visa portal. However, some RuPay cards issued by domestic Indian banks may not process USD transactions on foreign government portals. If your first card fails, try a card from HDFC, ICICI, SBI (Global Debit), or Axis — these have better international acceptance. You can also use a zero-forex travel card like Niyo Global or IndusInd Indie loaded with USD equivalent.
What Documents Do Indians Need for the Vietnam E-Visa?
The document list is intentionally short:
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Vietnam. Must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
- Passport-size photo: Recent colour photo (white background) in JPEG format, typically under 2 MB. The portal gives exact pixel dimensions.
- Passport scan (bio-data page): Clear scan or photo of the page with your photo and MRZ lines.
- Entry and exit dates: Approximate dates. The e-visa specifies a validity window; you must enter before the start date and exit before the end date.
- Entry/exit points: You select your intended port of entry and exit from a dropdown. Vietnam's e-visa is valid at all international airports and most major land/sea border crossings.
- International debit or credit card for payment (Visa/Mastercard accepted).
No cover letter, no bank statements, no travel itinerary is required for the basic e-visa application. However, if you intend to work (even remotely for an Indian employer) while in Vietnam, ensure your visa category reflects the correct purpose — using a tourist e-visa for commercial work is not permitted.
How Long Does Vietnam E-Visa Processing Take?
The official processing time is 3 business days (excluding weekends and Vietnamese public holidays). In practice, approvals often arrive within 1–2 business days during off-peak seasons.
Apply at least 7–10 days before travel to give yourself a buffer. There is currently no official expedite/rush option on the government portal. If your travel is within 3 days, the VOA route may be faster — but you'll need to find a reliable agent quickly.
The approval is emailed as a PDF. Print it or save it on your phone. Immigration officers at Vietnamese ports of entry scan the QR code on the document.
Vietnamese public holidays to be aware of: Tet (Lunar New Year, usually late January or February) is a major holiday when government offices run on reduced schedules. If your application window overlaps with Tet, apply earlier — processing can stretch to 5–6 business days during the Tet period.
Which Indian Cities Have Flights to Vietnam?
Direct and one-stop flights to Vietnam depart from several major Indian airports. Here is a quick overview of common routings as of 2026:
| Indian City (Airport) | Vietnamese City | Typical Routing | Approx. One-way Fare Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi (DEL) | Hanoi (HAN) | IndiGo / Air India via Bangkok or direct charter | ₹12,000–₹30,000 |
| Mumbai (BOM) | Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) | IndiGo, Air Asia via Singapore or Bangkok | ₹14,000–₹35,000 |
| Bangalore (BLR) | Da Nang (DAD) | IndiGo / Air Asia via Singapore | ₹15,000–₹32,000 |
| Chennai (MAA) | Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) | IndiGo / Air India via Singapore | ₹13,000–₹28,000 |
Fares are highly seasonal — book 6–8 weeks in advance for best prices. December–January and June–July are peak times; February–April sees a sweet spot of lower fares and good weather in northern Vietnam. Use the FlightGPT search to compare live fares across carriers before committing.
What Are the Entry Rules Once You Land in Vietnam?
At the immigration counter, present your:
- Original passport
- Printed or digital e-visa approval
- Completed immigration arrival card (if still required — Vietnam has been phasing this out for e-visa holders; check before travel)
Vietnam does not require proof of onward travel or a minimum bank balance at immigration, though officers can ask. Having your return ticket visible helps avoid any friction.
The e-visa lets you enter at any port listed during application. If you later decide to exit via a different border crossing, it is usually fine as long as it is an authorised international checkpoint — but to be safe, list realistic entry/exit points when applying.
Currency declaration: If you are carrying more than USD 5,000 (or equivalent) in cash into Vietnam, you must declare it on arrival. There is no issue carrying the amount — you just need to fill the declaration form. For most Indian tourists, this threshold is not reached.
Practical Tips for Indians Travelling to Vietnam
Currency: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). ATMs are widely available in cities. Forex cards (especially zero-markup ones) work well at ATMs — load USD or EUR and let the ATM convert. Avoid airport money changers. See the FlightGPT /visas panel for destination-specific notes.
SIM / connectivity: A local Vietnamese SIM costs under ₹300 for 7 days of data and is available at any Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City airport. Alternatively, an eSIM loaded before departure avoids queuing. Vietnamese carriers Viettel and Vietnamobile offer tourist plans at Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) airports.
Health: No mandatory vaccinations for Vietnam entry, but Hepatitis A/B and typhoid are strongly recommended by most Indian travel doctors. Mosquito repellent is essential in the rainy season (May–October). Carry ORS sachets and a basic anti-diarrheal — street food, while delicious, can upset unacclimatised stomachs initially.
UPI / digital payments: UPI does not work in Vietnam. Carry Vietnamese Dong cash for markets, local eateries, and transport. International Visa/Mastercard works at hotels, larger restaurants, and tour operators.
Internal links: Planning your full visa document stack? Read our guides on What is a dummy ticket and is it legal? and Visa-free countries for Indians in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can Indians get a Vietnam visa on arrival without applying in advance?
Not directly. Visa on Arrival (VOA) for air arrivals requires a pre-approved letter obtained before you fly. You cannot simply show up at a Vietnamese airport and expect a visa stamp. The e-visa is the genuine on-demand option — apply online before travel.
How long can an Indian stay in Vietnam on an e-visa?
The Vietnam e-visa allows a stay of up to 90 days per visit (single or multiple entry). If you wish to stay longer, you would need to exit and re-enter (within the e-visa validity window) or apply for a different visa category such as a temporary residence card.
Can I extend my Vietnam e-visa from inside Vietnam?
Visa extension within Vietnam is possible in principle at the Immigration Department, but the process is not straightforward for tourists and can take time. If a longer stay is planned, it is better to apply for a multiple-entry e-visa with sufficient duration from the start.
Is the USD 25 fee refundable if my e-visa is rejected?
No. The Vietnam e-visa application fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome. Rejection rates for Indian applications are generally low if the documents are clear and the passport has adequate validity.
Do Indian children need a separate Vietnam e-visa?
Yes. Each traveller, including infants and children, must have their own separate e-visa. Children travelling on a parent's passport (which Indian passports previously allowed) must now have their own passport and their own e-visa.
My Indian credit card was declined on the Vietnam e-visa portal — what should I try?
Some domestic Indian bank cards (especially RuPay or cards without international activation) do not process USD payments on foreign government portals. Enable international transactions in your banking app first. If still declined, try a different card — HDFC, ICICI, or Axis international credit/debit cards generally work. A Niyo Global or IndusInd Indie prepaid forex card is another reliable option.